Christmas tree, Holiday Stroll bring shoppers to downtown New Bedford

NEW BEDFORD — Downtown shone with the light of a massive Christmas tree Saturday evening, invoking a tradition that stretches deep into the city's past.

SIMÓN RIOS

NEW BEDFORD — Downtown shone with the light of a massive Christmas tree Saturday evening, invoking a tradition that stretches deep into the city's past.

And in recognition of the anniversary of the invasion of Pearl Harbor, the countdown to the tree lighting was done by World War II veteran Daniel Lucas.

Mayor Jon Mitchell said he read about Lucas in Saturday's Standard-Times, and looked up his phone number soon thereafter.

"I thought that having him kick off the tree lighting would be a nice way to honor his service," Mitchell said after the lighting.

Downtown was abuzz with activity throughout the day Saturday, beginning with 800 Santas racing through the city, followed by the sixth annual Holiday Stroll, and culminating with the lighting of the tree in front of the library.

Mr. and Mrs. Claus stood at the front of the stage as Armand Marchand, executive producer at New Bedford Festival Theater, led the crowd in singing Christmas carols.

Prior to the lighting, City Councilor Jane Gonsalves spoke with a wistful smile. "That's my last tree lighting ... as a city councilor perhaps forever," she said.

The stroll was organized by Downtown New Bedford Inc. under the slogan, "this year shop local!"

Not only shops but also nonprofits, churches and art galleries became pit stops for the stroll, some offering specials, others offering samples, and others storytelling.

"This is a great way to help the businesses downtown, and also to build community," Gonsalves said. "It's one of the nice things about New Bedford — it's a city but it's still small enough to have events like this."

At the corner of William and Pleasant streets, Cecilia Brito of Celia's Boutique said she has the best seat in the house to see the tree lighting. It also helps business during an important part of the year.

"We get people coming through the city that normally wouldn't come out, because people in their minds they think that there aren't enough venues to come to downtown," Brito said. "People just come out for the festivities."

Brito said since she opened 10 years ago she's watched the downtown area attract an increasing amount of visitors, whether they're from nearby towns or from the Boston area.

"People really do come out from a lot of different areas," she said. "It really helps the economy of the entire city."

Mitchell said programming like the weekend events play a part in the downtown economy.

"If you can create a buzz from time to time through the right combination of events (and) festivals, then the buzz can spread the days when there are no formal events," Mitchell said.

Jeremiah Hernandez is co-owner of the UGLY Gallery, which was alive with visitors on their way to the festivities. For the third straight year, Hernandez converted the gallery into a holiday craft shop, offering items from 30 local artisans.

Although not part of Downtown New Bedford Inc., Hernandez said UGLY Gallery benefits from the activity generated by its events.

"It's always good for this time of year to see new people," he said, "tell them the story of UGLY and get them back in during the year."

The Holiday Stroll culminates today. Details are available at downtownnb.org.